Game of Thrones fans will recognize the walled city of Dubrovnik. Used as the model for the Westerosi city of King’s Landing, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most prominent tourist destination. Located by the Adriatic Sea, the city prospered as major port during ancient times. The city wall protected the civilized and wealthy citizens of the day. These days, the wall and its accompanying towers provide tourists with some of the best views of the town. When planning your Dubrovnik travel guide, take some time to learn about its tumultuous history from ancient to modern times. Marvel at the meticulously restored baroque buildings and indulge on some of the best food and drinks this side of the continent.
Dubrovnik Travel Guide
Take a Tour of the City Wall and its Forts
View from Inside Ploče GateNo trip to Dubrovnik is complete without visiting its famed city walls. It is through these building blocks that the history of the city was crafted. The oldest portions of the wall go back to the 9th century but it was just during the Middle Ages when its people decided to strengthen the walls to provide protection from the conquering Turks. Start your Dubrovnik travel guide at the entrance on Ploče Gate, which contains some of the steepest steps along the two-kilometer walk. From there, you can get a great view of the Stradun, the city’s main thoroughfare. Continue onwards to the casemate Fort Bokar, one of the oldest bastions of its kind in Europe and end at Fort St. Ivan.
Game of Thrones Connection
Lovrijenac FortressThe city features prominently in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones. For fans of the show, having a Dubrovnik travel guide that points out key filming locations is an absolute must. Follow the footsteps of Queen Cersei as she walked along the streets of St. Dominika Street humiliated or head over to the Pile, the area of the city that doubles as Blackwater Bay. Lovrijenac Fortress, the Croats deterrent for the threatening Venetian invasion was where King Joffrey’s name day tournament took place. Climb the 175 stone steps and revel at the city’s stunning skyline.
Enjoy a Pint or Two at Buza Bar
Buza BarDon’t be surprised to find yourself literally entering a hole in the wall to reach the Buza Bar, one of Dubrovnik’s most incredible places to drink beer. Situated on a cliff that overlooks the deep blue waters of the Adriatic, it offers cheap cold beers. This beloved local bar has two locations: Buza I and Buza II. The former is the local favorite and easier to get to from the sea. The latter is more popular with tourist. It’s bigger and attracts an older crowd.
When planning your Dubrovnik travel guide, consider booking in spring or early summer. You’ll have more options on which hotels to stay and you’ll have less tourists to contend with.